How Much Does It Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $100 - $250
Hiring someone to pressure wash your deck costs an average of $150, but some jobs may cost as much as $500 depending on the size of the deck, its condition, and the material.
The average cost to pressure wash a deck ranges from $100 to $250. The amount you pay depends on the deck size, condition, material, and whether or not you DIY the job. To hire the pros for a large, wrap-around deck with major grime build-up, you could pay upward of $500. However, this is money well spent to keep your deck free of unsightly mold and mildew that can lead to premature deck repairs and a shorter life span. A clean deck also polishes up your alfresco dining experience, so you don’t have to be afraid to invite the neighbors around.
- Average
- $150
- Low end
- $100
- high end
- $500
Pressure Washing a Deck Cost Factors
Your final bill for pressure washing your deck depends on various factors. Here's a breakdown of what to budget for to stop you from spraying away more money than you expect.
Size
The cost to pressure wash a deck yourself is usually the same, no matter the size, but square footage plays a big part in the bottom line when you hire a local pressure washer.
For an average 300-square-foot deck, a pressure washing contractor might charge around $100. A spacious 700-square-foot attached to a large home might set you back $200 to $300, and an expansive 1,000-square-foot wrap-around deck could cost $300 to $400—or more if it’s been several years since its last pressure wash.
Tricky-to-access wrap-around decks can make the job more of a challenge, so sometimes the shape of your deck also plays a part in the pressure washing cost.
Labor
While some contractors charge an hourly rate for pressure washing a deck—typically between $50 to $100 per hour, more commonly, they charge a base fee up to a specific size and then charge per square foot from there. Alternatively, they might have set prices for certain deck size ranges.
Your contractor might quote your $100 for a deck up to 300 square feet and then add a further $0.30 to $0.40 per square foot for anything over that.
Deck Condition
Have you been spilling BBQ grease all over your deck surface or letting a build-up of tricky-to-remove mold and mildew grow over a few years? Your contractor will likely up their bill to account for the extra time, effort, and deck-specific detergents required.
Deck Material
Some decking materials, like aluminum, are more capable of handling hard pressure washing than softer wood or composite decking. In that case, you might make savings because it’s quicker and easier to pressure wash a metal deck.
Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck by Material Type
As mentioned, some materials can take a hard blasting from the pressure washer in a way others can’t. That means pricing could vary depending on what your deck is made of.
Metal
It’s quick and easy to pressure wash metal decking. The average cost to pressure wash a 300-square-foot metal deck is $100. Because this is a tough, non-porous surface, the professionals can blast away without worrying about lifting the top layer or damaging the integrity of the decking.
Composite Decking
Expect to pay $100 to $150 to pressure a 300-square-foot composite deck. Composite decking isn’t as durable as metal, but it can withstand pressure washing better than porous wood. It’s also less likely to suffer from mold and mildew build-up, so it might not need such a deep clean.
However, it can’t handle the very high pressures metal decking can, and you need to take care with the strength and angle of the blast. Too hard, and it can compromise the protective surface layer. For that reason, you might find a contractor quotes at a slightly higher rate.
Wood
Depending on its quality and softness, the cost to pressure wash a deck made from wood and measuring 300 square feet ranges from $100 to $200.
Your contractor might suggest soft washing rather than high-power pressure washing for more delicate, porous wooden decks. They will use a lower-pressure nozzle and deck detergents to lift the dirt gently. This adds time and extra costs but means the soft grain and any stain or paint covering will be better protected.
Additional Costs to Consider
It’s not always just the factors above that affect your budget. To keep your deck in tip-top condition, you might have to consider the following as part of your pressure washing project.
Staining
Having a contractor stain or paint your wooden deck at the same time as pressure washing can save money overall. The average cost to stain a deck is $850. But redoing this as part of your deck maintenance schedule every few years makes the wood more waterproof and UV-ray and stain-resistant, increasing its longevity. It also freshens up its appearance further, ready for those sizzling summer BBQs.
Sealing
The average cost to seal a deck is $900. Cleaning and sealing a wooden deck that isn’t stained every few years also better protects it from the elements. If your deck is due a resealing, teaming this up with a pressure wash makes sense—you need a clean surface before sealing starts.
Repairs
Hold off on pressure washing if your deck has noticeable damage. Cracking decking boards, splinters, wobbly or rotting sections, and other damage can worsen when you blast them with high-pressure water. The average deck repair cost is $2,000. But simple repairs are often possible for much less, especially if it’s something you can tackle yourself.
Cost to Pressure Wash a Deck Yourself
If you’re confident about how to pressure wash a deck and already have the tool in your home apparatus arsenal, you could cut costs significantly. Your only outlay is your time and possibly detergent costs of less than $20 if the deck is on the grimier side.
If you aren’t the proud owner of a pressure washer, you can rent or buy one. The cost to rent a pressure washer ranges from $35 to $175 per day, and you can spend anywhere from $100 to $1,000 buying one.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Unless your deck is huge, it could be worth the $100 to $200 it costs to hire a pro to do the job for you rather than renting a pressure washer for the day. It saves getting your hands dirty, ensures a thorough job, and you don’t have to worry about making a boo-boo by blasting your deck too hard or at the wrong angle.
Investing in a quality pressure washer of your own is worth considering if you plan to use it regularly to clean your deck and other areas around your property. Once you’ve learned to handle it like a pro, you could make significant savings annually by tackling various jobs yourself. Just be aware that pressure washers at the bottom end of the price range aren’t likely to last long or be powerful enough to lift tough-to-remove grime from your deck or other surfaces.
Cost of Common Deck Pressure Washing Add-Ons
Spray away to make savings when hiring a pressure washing contractor near you. They typically offer discounts if they can bundle up the blasting jobs. There are many ways to use pressure washers, and you could clean up your car, patio, driveway, patio furniture, fencing, or vinyl siding simultaneously. Here are some common pressure washing costs you might want to tack on:
Cost to pressure wash a fence: $100–$350
Cost to pressure wash house: $150–$750
Cost to pressure wash a patio: $100–$250
Roof pressure washing costs: $450–$700
Gutters pressure washing costs: $50–$150
Driveway pressure washing costs: $100–$250
Tips to Reduce Cost While Pressure Washing a Deck
You don’t just have to spray everything in sight to make savings. Here are some other savvy strategies to cut costs when pressure washing a deck.
Practice regular deck cleaning: Doing a quick hose and scrub down of your deck monthly means it will need a deep pressure wash less frequently.
Shop around: Getting quotes from at least three reputable contractors, rather than the first one you find, might result in savings.
Steer clear of summer pressure washing: Late spring and summer are the busiest times for pressure washing contractors. Opting for a low-season clean might mean you get a more competitive price.
Buy in the big sales: If you’re choosing a pressure washer of your own, you can secure great discounts when the major sales come around.
Maintain your pressure washer well: If you buy a pressure washer, don’t leave it at the back of your garage for months. Regular pressure washer maintenance keeps it running smoothly for longer.
Questions to Ask a Pressure Washing Pro
When researching prospective pressure washing pros, consider asking them the following questions to ensure you hire the right professional for the job.
What factors determine your costs to pressure wash a deck?
What are the different techniques you use for different deck materials, such as wood, composite, and metal?
How do you ensure that the pressure washer won’t damage the deck?
Are there any hidden costs I should prepare for, such as fees for deep stains or mold removal?
Can you offer a discounted price if I want to bundle additional services, like sealing or staining?
How long does it typically take you to pressure wash a deck like mine?
What type of detergents and cleaning solutions do you use? Are they safe for the surrounding ecosystem?
Do you recommend applying any treatments or coatings after pressure washing to preserve its appearance?
Frequently Asked Questions
Pressure washing a wooden deck can lift ingrained dirt, mold, and mildew, making the space look more inviting and increasing its longevity. However, you risk damaging the porous surface if you DIY deck pressure washing and go in too powerfully or at the wrong angle. Pick a white pressure washer nozzle that sprays with a gentle 40-degree fan pattern, and keep some distance while spraying.
Spring or fall are good times to pressure wash your deck. Doing it in spring allows you to wash away any grime or mold that might have appeared during the damp winter season, and your alfresco dining space will be sparkling for those summer sizzlers. Pressure washing the deck in the fall means you can wash away greasy spills rather than letting them soak further in over the winter.
If your deck has been recently stained or sealed, you shouldn’t have to add another layer of sealant to offer protection against wet weather. If it’s been a few years since the last sealing session, removing the old sealant by sanding the deck, washing it, and then resealing it to offer maximum protection makes sense.
If you don’t thoroughly clean your deck surface before staining, debris, grease, and mildew can get trapped on top of the wood. As well as looking unsightly, the stain won’t effectively penetrate the wood surface. You won’t have such a well-protected deck, and you’ll likely have to restain sooner.